Kia Soul EV revealed

Andrew Maclean

Kia Soul EV.

Kia Soul EV.

Kia Soul EV.

Kia Soul EV.

Kia Soul EV.

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Kiahas created its first global electric vehicle using battery technology pioneered in radio-controlled cars.

The Korean car maker has revealed its Soul EV at the Chicago motor show overnight, confirming the first showroom application of Lithium-Ion Polymer (Li-Po) batteries which have a higher energy density and can be formed in unique shapes.

The Soul EV, which is distinguished from its petrol siblings by its unique blanked-in front grille, will initially be available in left-hand drive and sold in limited US states including California, Oregon, New York, New Jersey and Maryland - as well as Korea - and only has a range of between 130-160km between charges, but previews the new Li-Po battery technology that could offer increased range in larger electric cars.

The air cooled battery is placed under the floor, marginally reducing rear seat space, and produces 360v of power from 96 cells to drive the front wheels through a 81kW/284Nm electric motor. It can be recharged to 80 percent of its capacity in as little as 33 minutes and comes with a Virtual Engine Sound System that emits an alarm to alert pedestrians at speeds under 20km/h and whenever the car is reversing.

The Soul EV was revealed alongside a revised Optima Hybrid mid-sized sedan at the Chicago show, and while both are only available in left-hand drive at the moment, Kia Australia spokesman, Kevin Hepworth, said the local division hasn't ruled out either of them being added to its lineup in the future.

"It obviously isn't open to us at the moment, as they are for the US and Korea," he told Drive.

"But we haven't said no. We will look at building a business case if they are become available in the future, but electric cars still have a long way to go before they are fully accepted in Australia..."